The European Commission has labeled U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for reciprocal tariffs as unjustified and emphasized that it will respond sharply and immediately if tariffs on EU exports are raised.
The Commission, which coordinates trade policy for all EU member states, called the proposal a step in the wrong direction. It noted that the EU’s tariffs are among the lowest globally, and there is no reason for the U.S. to impose higher tariffs on European exports.
The EU’s average tariff on imported goods is one of the lowest worldwide, with over 70% of imports entering tariff-free. The Commission stressed that this highlights the EU’s commitment to free and fair trade.
The European response came after the White House announcement on Thursday, pointing to discrepancies in tariffs between the EU and the U.S.. The EU charges 10% tariffs on car imports compared to the U.S.’s 2.5%, along with restrictions on U.S. seafood imports.
The Commission warned that it would take swift countermeasures against unjustified trade barriers. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed this stance, stating that the EU would impose proportional countermeasures in response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
While EU trade ministers were initially more open to negotiations, they remain prepared for a strong response if tariffs are imposed after the review period, which could last several weeks or months.
